CHANDLER — The Chandler City Council unanimously approved the introduction and tentative adoption of an ordinance to update language in the City code regarding the treatment of animals.
According to the presentation given during the meeting, the proposed changes would more clearly define animal cruelty, add a section on animal hoarding, add language to the section on unlawful restraints of a dog, and update language on the authority to seize and impound animals subjected to cruelty.
Chapter 14 of Chandler's city code and the proposed ordinance can be read in full here. The text that is crossed out is what will be deleted and text that is in all capital letters (at the end of the document) is what will be added under the ordinance.
The Arizona Humane Society’s CEO and President Dr. Steven Hansen said they are happy with the city moving quickly to amend its current ordinance.
The City of Chandler said it’s been working on these changes for months, even before the high-profile case of April McLaughlin, the woman at the center of an animal hoarding investigation.
McLaughlin’s home was raided in late September and 55 dogs had to be removed from her home. Puppies were also found dead in the freezer, according to court documents, and McLaughlin’s elderly mother was also found living in the home.
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Those dogs, many of which had special needs, were taken by the Arizona Humane Society and treated. The organization had to euthanize a few, too.
“I must say that, that the condition of some of those animals is the worst I have ever seen it. It really brought some of us to tears,” Hansen said.
The hope is none of that will happen again as the city amends its ordinance.
“Some of the key pieces for me are that you cannot fail to provide medical attention that's necessary to prevent, and reasonable suffering is a language that's used that would have helped us tremendously, as though the medical component to the investigation. That's very powerful,” Hansen said.
Many animal rights organizations and rescues feel this is a step in the right direction. Leanna Taylor, the CEO of the Arizona Pet Project, is happy about the change but wishes the ordinance could have more detailed wording, especially in situations where a person has intentions to hurt an animal versus someone who may not have the means to help their animals.
“When we're looking at these types of ordinances, we're pairing it with resources that help support our low-income families to make sure that they're able to provide that care for their pets so that they're not getting caught up in a court system for something that isn't malicious,” Taylor said.
The city council will vote on the final adoption of the amendments on December 4. The changes would go into effect in January 2024.
As for McLaughlin’s case, Chandler Police tell ABC15 the investigation is ongoing and “remains an active priority for our department.”
Thirteen dogs are still in the care of the Arizona Humane Society as McLaughlin did appeal the court’s most recent decision. That process is still ongoing and as of last check, no dates have been set yet for a hearing.
